Marvin Bagley III scored 32 points and grabbed a season-best 21 rebounds, which included clutch baskets and high-energy plays down the stretch, to help No. 3 Duke escape No. 25 Florida State with a 100-93 home win in ACC action.

But the Blue Devils again found themselves in losing territory late in the game (they lost their ACC-opener to Boston College) thanks to a dreadful man-to-man halfcourt defense that allowed FSU to score at will for a majority of the game. The Seminoles went cold late in the game, missing their final eight shots. Yet that may have been more of a blessing than a lockdown Duke defense. Even if those late stops spoke to the Blue Devils' ability, the rest of the game was a disaster on defense.

No matter. Duke's offense is that good. For now, Bagley's NBA talent and a balanced supporting cast can allow coach Mike Krzyzewski's young team to escape — even on a 26% three-point shooting night. The Blue Devils used a significant rebounding edge (53-35) and 56 points in the paint to outmuscle FSU offensively.

Bagley wasn't the only one who impressed — on offense. Senior captain Grayson Allen hit big shots, to finish with 22 points. And point guard Trevon Duval was particularly impressive, scoring 11 of his 16 points in the second half and hitting a big-time late three-pointer at the top of the key.

Wendell Carter Jr. (14 points and 16 rebounds) was the defensive hero, drawing a charge late in the game — while playing with four fouls — to help make it a two-possession game that the Blue Devils wouldn't relinquish.

But, as a whole, there's still an issue that needs fixing here. It's undoubtedly a shaky defense that will make Duke vulnerable against just about any ACC foe. It speaks to youth. But it's also laziness and the exact recipe for a first-round upset in the NCAA tournament, something Coach K painfully knows a thing or two about. The difference between a Duke title team, like in 2010 or 2015, and an early March Madness exit, will be on the defensive end — where willpower and synergy are much more important than individual talent, which Duke is certainly not lacking.

The nation's No. 3 team is no longer in the ACC's cellar, but had to work awfully hard to escape it. An 0-2 ACC start on Satruday was a little too close for comfort.

Savannah State Tigers guard Dexter McClanahan (22) passes the ball during the first half of a game against the Michigan State Spartans at Jack Breslin Student Events Center.
Mike Carter, USA TODAY Sports

Michigan State Spartans forward Nick Ward (44) lays the ball up over Savannah State Tigers guard Austin Dasent (1) during the first half of a game at Jack Breslin Student Events Center.
Mike Carter, USA TODAY Sports

Savannah State Tigers forward John Grant Jr. (4) and Michigan State Spartans forward Nick Ward (44) fight for a loose ball during the first half of a game at Jack Breslin Student Events Center.
Mike Carter, USA TODAY Sports

Cleveland State Vikings guard Kasheem Thomas (1) drives to the basket over Michigan State Spartans guard Miles Bridges (22) during the second half of a game at Jack Breslin Student Events Center.
Mike Carter, USA TODAY Sports

Michigan State Spartans guard Miles Bridges (22) lays the ball up against Cleveland State Vikings guard Dontel Highsmith (3) during the second half of a game at Jack Breslin Student Events Center.
Mike Carter, USA TODAY Sports